Some of the deepest spiritual growth happens not in big services but around kitchen tables, in break rooms, and in living rooms where a few people open the Bible together. And you don't need to be a pastor to start one.
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them." — Matthew 18:20 (WEB)
Why study the Bible together
"Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16–17, WEB). Reading together adds something reading alone cannot: other people's questions, encouragement, and accountability. The believers in Berea were praised for "examining the Scriptures daily" together (Acts 17:11, WEB).
Step 1: Pray and invite
Ask God who to invite. Start small — two to five people is plenty. Invite personally: "I'm starting a simple Bible study on Thursdays — no experience needed. Want to come?" A group that includes people who are curious about Jesus but not yet believers can be one of the most fruitful places for faith to grow.
Step 2: Pick a time and place
- Home: a living room or kitchen table — add food if you can.
- Work: a lunch break once a week, where permitted.
- Church or café: anywhere quiet enough to talk.
Keep it to about an hour, at the same time each week. Consistency matters more than length.
Step 3: Choose what to read
Start with a Gospel. Mark is short and moves quickly; John was written "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ" (John 20:31). Read one story or paragraph each week — ten to fifteen verses is plenty.
Step 4: Use a simple question method
You don't need a commentary. Read the passage aloud (twice if you can), have someone retell it in their own words, then work through five questions:
- What does this passage say?
- What does it show us about God or Jesus?
- What does it show us about people?
- What will I obey or change this week?
- Who will I share this with?
The last two questions turn study into discipleship. Next week, start by asking how it went.
Step 5: Lead well (without lecturing)
- Ask, don't preach. Let the group discover what the text says.
- Keep returning to the passage. "Where do you see that in the text?" keeps discussion grounded.
- It's okay to say "I don't know." Write the question down and look into it together.
- Make room for quieter voices.
- Pray together at the end — for each other and for people you want to reach.
Step 6: Keep it going — and multiply
Rotate leading once people are comfortable — the best sign of a healthy group is that others can lead it. When the group grows past about ten or twelve, start a second one. That is how discipleship multiplies: read what discipleship is and what the Great Commission means.
Helpful next steps
- New believers in your group? Work through the First 30 Days With Jesus guide together.
- Want your group to start sharing their faith? Try the seven-day One Person Challenge.
- Ready to take it to the streets? See how to bring your group to street outreach or join us on a Tuesday night in Hamilton.
More questions
- What book of the Bible should a new Bible study start with?
- A Gospel is a great start — Mark is short and fast-moving, and John is written so readers will believe in Jesus. Read one story or paragraph at a time.
- What questions should we ask in a Bible study?
- Five simple ones work for any passage: What does it say? What does it show about God? What does it show about people? What will I obey or change this week? Who will I share this with?
- How many people should be in a Bible study?
- Anywhere from two to about twelve. Jesus promised to be present where two or three gather in His name (Matthew 18:20). Smaller groups make honest conversation easier; when a group grows large, start a second one.
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